Daman: Where Portugal Meets India (INR 700 -1 day)

Daman, a lesser-known destination, offers everything you need for a peaceful and memorable stay. To walk along its empty beaches at sunset is to truly embrace solitude. Located on the west coast of India, Daman boasts an enchanting landscape blessed with nature’s beauty. It is part of the union territory of Daman and Diu, situated near Gujarat, and provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The first Portuguese Captain Diogo de Mello on his way to Ormuz met with a violent cyclone and found himself on the Daman coast. The town was a Portuguese enclave for more than four centuries till the close of the colonial rule in 1961 and as a result, has a lot of Portuguese architecture and cultural influence.

The town might not have all the facilities that a tourist destination ought to have, but the serenity in the air and freshness in the rising sun would make you fall in love with this place.

Jampore Beach

How to reach Daman 

The cheapest way to reach Daman is to take a train to Vapi (located around 12 km away) and then a bus/auto to reach the town. It lies on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route of the Western Railway and is about 170 km from Mumbai and 90 km from Surat. Almost all Delhi-Mumbai and Mumbai-Ahmedabad bound trains halt at Vapi station. Visit IRCTC for train bookings.

Best time to visit Daman 

The union territory of India, Daman experiences a moderate temperature throughout the year. Though the place can be visited all through the year, the best time to visit Daman is from October to February. It is the perfect season as the weather remains pleasant during this time and it makes you explore the place in the best way.

Stay Options in Daman 

There are various resort options near Devka beach which provide comfortable stays with in-house restaurants, beach view rooms, swimming pools and spa options. Budget hotels can be found near the market area in Nani Daman.

Fort entrance gate

Most of you might think that Daman and Diu constitute a single place or are nearby but that’s not the case. Administratively, they constitute a Union Territory. But in terms of geography, they are two distinct coastal enclaves separated by about 700 km. Daman is located in the Gulf of Khambat while Diu is located in Gujarat’s Kathiawad coast. Currently, there is no ferry service between the two.

Jampore Beach

Daman Ganga River divides Daman into two distinct areas – Moti Daman and Nani Daman. As soon as you enter the town, you come across the fort area which is Moti Daman. The architecture and colour of the houses depict the Portuguese style of construction.

Very old tree

Jampore Beach

There are various churches in Daman and the Basilica of Bom Jesus church is the most popular among them. This church dates back to 1603 AD. The main feature of the church is its painted and gilt wooden altar and pulpit. Its modest architecture and intricate carvings often leave visitors spellbound.

Basilica of Bom Jesus church

Interior of  Basilica of Bom Jesus church

As a coastal town, the town is gifted with beaches that have their own charm and distinct characteristics. There are 2 beaches in Daman – Jampore Beach and Devka Beach.

Fishing Jetty

Jampore Beach

Jampore Beach has golden sands and is often less crowded. You will find many shacks and various beach activities at Jampore Beach. The shacks offer great seafood and cheap liquor. 

Jampore Beach

Jampore Beach

As Gujarat is a dry state, visitors from the state of Gujarat frequently visit the town due to the easy and cheap availability of alcohol to quench their thirst. Beer flows at every corner and one can see the young crowd going crazy.

Devka Beach

As soon as you cross the bridge over the Daman Ganga river, the statue of Saint Jerome welcomes you to Nani Daman. Nani Daman’s fishing jetty is a picturesque hangout. Devka Beach is well not so kind of beach due to its rocky terrain and black-colored sand but there are various stay options nearby.

Sunset at Devka Beach

Walking the roads of Daman is a sheer delight if you have an eye for history and quaint old buildings. The town is still unexplored by many tourists which makes it an unspoiled, peaceful yet sensational place to be. With complete freedom of drinking, celebrating and partying all the time, Daman has a lot to offer. 

Expenditure- INR 700 (From Pune to Pune)

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Are you looking for some essential travel gear? Check out my post on What’s in my Backpack.

Looking for more weekend gateway options near Pune? Check out these blog posts:

• A cycle trip to Lavasa city from Pune (INR 100)
• Andharban jungle and Devkund Waterfall Trek – Time to get lost in the dense forest
• Satara – A road trip to the Maharashtra’s Valley of Flowers from Pune (INR 800)
• Rajmachi Fort Trek, adventurous one day trip near Mumbai and Pune (INR 350)
• Tikona Fort Trek and Pawna Lake – One day trip near Pune (INR 250)
• A two-day trip to Torna Fort and Madhe Ghat Waterfall(INR 400)
• Matheran – Asia’s only automobile free hill station
• A road trip to Harihareshwar, Shrivardhan and Diveagar Beach from Pune (INR 1200)
• Kalsubai Peak – Trek to the highest peak of Maharashtra (INR 600)

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